Reward Offered In Death of Two Tennessee Dogs

The Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing two dogs in Portland, Tenn. earlier this month.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: On Aug. 9, members of the Higgenbotham family were with their dogs in their yard when a rabbit ran out of the garden and the dogs gave chase. Their owner followed them through the tall grass, across the railroad tracks and onto a neighboring property when she heard two gun shots. She continued to look for the dogs but they never returned. Hours later she found the dead bodies of her beloved companions displayed across the railroad tracks.

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Leighann McCollum, The Humane Society of the United States' Tennessee state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:

The Sumner County Sheriff's Animal Control Division is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Sgt. Mike McCleran at 615-452-2400.

Resources:

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.